Our men’s cooking class is going from strength to strength

Please note: this post is 131 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

From cassoulet to chocolate cake, our men’s cooking group has had a busy start to 2014, learning how to prepare delicious and affordable dishes thanks to our fantastic volunteers and top London restaurant PipsDish.

What started out as a six-week course, has now become a firm fixture on the NLC calendar, with numbers growing each week as word spreads.

Tom, 82, joined the group having only ever cooked beans on toast, but has since added a whole host of impressive dishes, including shepherds pie and chicken chasseur, to his rapidly expanding repertoire!

NLC volunteer, Jeremy, recently signed up to share his skills in the kitchen and, after a session with the men, learnt they were interested in low-cost cooking. Promising to teach the group a two-course meal for under £2.50 per head, Jeremy returned this week to make Toad in the Hole and, everyone’s favourite, Treacle Sponge.

The men were shocked to learn how delicious a low cost meal could be but Jeremy’s not stopping there – he’s set himself the challenge of going under £2 next time, so we can’t wait to see what he comes up with!

The men’s passion for cooking is growing each week, so they were thrilled to learn that Philip Dundas, of PipsDish, had invited them for lunch.

The afternoon was a huge success. Philip showed the men how to cook pollock, winter greens and smashed potato, followed by a quick but mouth-watering apple crumble.

Not only did the group learn lots of new techniques, but were astonished by how flavoursome pollock could be and have vowed to pick up the cheaper alternative, on their next visit to the supermarket.

If you’re a good cook and could teach our men your signature dish, or fancy learning a new recipe alongside our gentlemen, please let us know. Not only are the classes great for socialising, but prove such a comfort for those who are facing the daunting prospect of cooking, having never assumed the role.

The group meets every Tuesday in Kilburn, from 11am -2pm, so if you’re available, and interested in attending, please sign up today, or if you’re already a volunteer simply email [email protected].